Contaminated environmental surfaces are important potential links in the transmission pathway of pathogens from one person to another. Microbes are able to colonize virtually any surface and can persist for weeks on materials commonly used in hospitals.

RDS have been developing new products with antimicrobial coating to protect materials from degradation, for aesthetic reasons, and to reduce microbial burdens on product surfaces. Using these products will help to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).An antimicrobial surface contains an antimicrobial agent that inhibits the ability of microorganisms to grow on the surface of a material.